Vayalar apologises for sexist remark made against female reporter

After severe criticism from the Opposition and media, Union minister Vayalar Ravi on Thursday apologised for his sexist remarks against a woman journalist during an interview in Thiruvananthapuram.

"I am sorry for what happened. I had called the journalist that very evening and apologised to her. She is my granddaughter's age. It was a slip of tongue, a remark made in jest. I sincerely apologise for it," Vayalar said.

While replying to a query on the alleged role of Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson P J Kurien in the Suryanelli gang-rape case, the minister had asked the journalist from a local TV channel if she too had faced such an experience with Kurien.

"Don't worry, nothing will happen to you," he said and went on to ask "did he (Kurien) do something to you?"

The comment sparked an outrage among journalists. The minister, however, said on Thursday that he had been misunderstood.

"I always joke with journalists. There is nothing deliberate. Everyone took it as a joke," he said.

The BJP slammed Vayalar's remarks even as the Congress party sought to play down the controversy.

"We condemn the behaviour of Vayalar Ravi towards a lady journalist. It is extremely unfortunate that he has misused his authority and position to intimidate a journalist who was only asking a question which fell within the ambit of her professional responsibility," BJP Mahila MorchaMorcha chief Smriti Irani said.

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She said Vayalar's behaviour was a matter of deep concern and wondered what his conduct would be when there are no cameras around.

Irani said the minister's body language while he was interacting with the journalist was "shocking".

The moment Vayalar made his inappropriate gesture and remarks to the journalist

"The Congress is now saying that since Vayalar has retracted his statement and the matter should rest. We demand a public apology from him, and not only to the individual but the nation at large," she said.

Earlier, addressing the media, information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari said it was not expected of a public figure to make such statements.

"I did see it (Vayalar's comment), as I came to this interaction. The flashes say Vayalar has regretted his comment. It is appropriate to leave the matter there," Tewari said.